Player Ratings: Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad

Real Madrid strengthened their grip on first spot in La Liga with a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Aritz Elustondo opened the scoring for the visitors inside a minute, but goals from James Rodriguez and Sergio Ramos and a brace from Karim Benzema ensured that Los Blancos claimed all the points.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed during the match.

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REAL MADRID

Goal

Iker Casillas: Beaten inside the first minute, but only had one routine save to make aside from that. Comfortable afternoon for the in-form Spanish goalkeeper. (6/10)

Defence

Dani Carvajal: Not as involved as he usually is in a wide area, but still contributed to a number of attacks. Was not really troubled at the back for long periods of the match. (6/10)

Raphael Varane: Continued his strong run of form with a classy performance. Needed a run in the side and an injury to Pepe has opened up that avenue for the Frenchman. (7/10)

Sergio Ramos: Played some beautiful passes, especially in the second period, during a comfortable afternoon for the centre-back. (7/10)

Marcelo: Set up James with a superb cross for Madrid's equaliser and was a real threat in a wide area. Picked up a late booking though, which was the only blot on his display. (7/10)

Midfield

Toni Kroos: One of the first names on the team-sheet and it is not too difficult to understand why. Did not waste a single pass in the middle of the park. (7/10)

Isco: Another classy performance from the midfielder, who set up Benzema for the Frenchman's second goal. Also laid on a number of chances in the first period. (8/10)

Asier Illarramendi: Given a spot in midfield due to a couple of injuries and the Spaniard impressed against his former club. Looks to be staying in Madrid despite plenty of speculation. (7/10)

Attack

Gareth Bale: Did not happen for the Welshman in terms of a goal, despite a number of chances. He did set up Benzema for the Frenchman's first during another lively showing. (7/10)

Karim Benzema: Has faced criticism this season, but had an excellent afternoon. Scored twice and his second was an absolute stunner into the top corner. (9/10)

James Rodriguez: Opened the scoring with an excellent header and caused serious problems to Sociedad in the first period. Much more of a threat in a forward position. (7/10)

Substitutes

Jese Rodriguez: Continued his comeback with a 15-minute cameo and the Spaniard caused havoc with some dangerous runs in wide positions. (6/10)

Sami Khedira: Slotted effortlessly into the middle of the park during the final 10 minutes. (6/10)

Javier Hernandez: Also given the final 10 minutes, but hardly touched the ball. (5/10)

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SOCIEDAD

Goal

Geronimo Rulli: Conceded four times, but was arguably his side's best player. Made a number of excellent saves, especially in the second period under bombardment from the home team. (6/10)

Defence

Yuri Berchiche: Fired a long-range attempt high of the crossbar in the first period. Decent going forward, but found it difficult against an interchanging Madrid attack. (5/10)

Mikel Gonzalez: Made a couple of smart challenges in the early stages, but struggled as the match developed. Ultimately part of a defence that conceded four times. (5/10)

Inigo Martinez: Has been linked with a host of top European clubs, but struggled here. Was caught on the ball in dangerous areas on too many occasions. (5/10)

Aritz Elustondo: Opened the scoring inside a minute with an excellent header, but was subbed early in the second period after struggling to contain the Madrid attack. (6/10)

Midfield

Sergio Canales: Tasked with providing support to the lone forward, but the Spaniard never really got in the game against his former employers. Subbed at the break. (5/10)

Esteban Granero: Started alongside Gorka Elustondo in central midfield, but the Spaniard could not impact the match from a deeper position. (5/10)

Ruben Pardo: Set up Elustondo with an excellent corner for the opening goal of the match and caused Madrid problems with his delivery from wide areas. (6/10)

Gorka Elustondo: Formed a shield in front of the back four, but he found Isco difficult to handle. (5/10)

Xabi Prieto: Looked threatening during stages of the match, but faded in and out. (5/10)

Attack

Carlos Vela: Looked bright in the early stages, but lasted just 17 minutes after picking up an injury. Sociedad really missed the Mexican's pace. (5/10)

Substitutes

Imanol Agirretxe: Replaced Vela inside the opening 17 minutes, but had little service. Work rate not in question, but was not cute enough in possession. (5/10)

Alberto de la Bella: Entered at the interval and provided legs in a wide area. However, his delivery was far too inconsistent. (5/10)

Markel Bergara: Given the final 30 minutes after replacing Sociedad's goalscorer, but, like a number of his teammates, he found it tough against a strong Real Madrid side. (5/10)